Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud cautioned a batch of 26 mines officers who will be attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) against engaging in activities that will tarnish the image of the sector.
“We have taken a firm position on this, and we will ensure that when there is evidence, people face disciplinary actions including dismissal, and we made this quite clear to the unions,” Persaud said at the close of a training session for the officers held at the Regency Hotel on Friday.
According to a press release from GINA, the minister said the industry has been criticised for illegal activities and as such he urged the officers to conduct themselves with integrity.
“You may not even have to say anything or do anything, they will just come to you and you must be able to resist that type of temptation,” Persaud said.
This batch of officers will be joining 300 other staff at the GGMC to ensure that the sector upholds its social and environmental standards. Persaud committed to working with the officers to ensure professionalism is maintained. He also charged the officers to help stem instances of trafficking in persons and child labour by reporting them to the relevant authorities.
Mining is the largest contributor of foreign exchange to the national economy; providing job opportunities for thousands of Guyanese both, directly and indirectly, GINA said.
